Reihana has played 224 matches for Saints

Northampton Saints are as strong as they have ever been, according to full-back Bruce Reihana.

Saints are currently third in the Premiership, six points behind leaders Leicester with two games in hand.

And 34-year-old Reihana, who joined in 2002, says the current Northampton side is the strongest he has seen.

"Certainly, this is the best [squad] we've had. There's lots of strength in depth, going through to the academy," Reihana told BBC Radio Northampton.

"With internationals or injuries, there are quality guys filling their spots."

I want to carry on playing, but you have to earn your way back into the squad Northampton full-back Bruce Reihana

Reihana has experienced the Saints' rise from the Championship to the Premiership play-offs and the quarter-finals of the Heineken Cup.

Now in his testimonial year, the former New Zealand international has been edged out of the first team in recent months by the performances of Chris Ashton and Paul Diggin, and has made just eight starts this term.

"I want to carry on playing, but you have to earn your way back into the squad," he said.

"When you get your chance you've got to take it."

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